Thirty-six-year-old Grace McAllister never longed for children. But when she meets Victor Hansen, a handsome, charismatic divorced restaurateur who is father to Max and Ava, Grace decides that, for the right man, she could learn to be an excellent part-time stepmom. After all, the kids live with their mother, Kelli. How hard could it be?

At thirteen, Ava Hansen is mature beyond her years. Since her parents’ divorce, she has been taking care of her emotionally unstable mother and her little brother—she pays the bills, does the laundry, and never complains because she loves her mama more than anyone. And while her father’s new girlfriend is nice enough, Ava still holds out hope that her parents will get back together and that they’ll be a family again. But only days after Victor and Grace get engaged, Kelli dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances—and soon, Grace and Ava discover that there was much more to Kelli’s life than either ever knew.

Narrated by Grace and Ava in the present with flashbacks into Kelli’s troubled past, Heart Like Mine is a poignant, hopeful portrait of womanhood, love, and the challenges and joys of family life.

Neil Kazenzakis is barely holding his life together: ever since an accident left his wife profoundly disabled, he’s been doing his best as a single dad and popular high school teacher. He’s also been dealing with Lauren Downey, his sort-of girlfriend of the past two years who’s pushing for a commitment—and for Neil to finally tell his son Christopher about their secret relationship.

Neil’s carefully balanced world begins to fall apart when some questionable footage of him is anonymously posted to YouTube…just as Chris learns about Lauren in the worst possible way. Doubting his own recollection of the events in the online video as he’s threatened with the loss of his job and the ability to care for his wife, Neil must find a way to prove the truth to his family, his community, and himself as he struggles to regain the splintered trust of his son.

Heartbreaking, poignant, and written with devastating humor and warmth, The Banks of Certain Rivers is a shattering story of memory, loss, and just how far a man will go to show the people closest to him the meaning of love.

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WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Welcome to another bookish week. For those of you who participated in Bloggiesta this weekend, how did the party work out for you?

I had a lot of fun making over my blog Curl up and Read. I tend to work on my blogs pretty regularly, but during this event, I go all out. And I love visiting the other blogs, discovering new things to add to my list after seeing what they’re doing.

I was distracted early in the week, as Noah was sick and staying with me; I was worried. Then he got better, and everything picked up, moving along nicely. But I abandoned one of the books on my list for the week and added a couple of different ones. An unpredictable reading list.

Thanks for stopping by, Lexxie, and for following me on Google +. I sometimes forget to enter anything over at that site. Enjoy your week! And changing up the blog is something I do for fun, but not everyone enjoys that…lol.

Looks like you have a busy week planned. I really should give Patterson a try again. I started a couple of his books, couldn’t get into them, and gave up on him as an author. I think I might be missing something because he has so many devoted fans. Come see what I read at Inside of a Dog. Have a great reading week!

I would like to start the Maisie Dobbs series if I ever clear my stacks out a bit. They sound like great reads. It looks like you have some great books lined up as well. Have a great week!
Happy Reading,
Rebecca @ The Key to the Gate

It was a Natalie weekend so I didn’t participate in Bloggiesta this time. She is here with her dad every other weekend and spending time with her passes way too quickly. I have Heart Like Mine patiently waiting, hoping next week I can get it started.

I have trouble predicting what I’m going to read next, even if it’s only a few days from now, especially when something unpredictable happens… like a sick grandchild. Glad Noah is better, I bet that’s a relief.

One these days I’m going to pick up one of Women’s Murder Club mysteries and find out if I like the series.

I had only read the first one before I started this challenge (oh, and the seventh!). But I loved the TV series…wish they hadn’t cancelled it!

Usually I stay on course with my reading list, but there are weeks that don’t work out that way. I’m glad Noah is better, too. When he’s sick, he is still very easy; doesn’t make a lot of demands. He’s able to amuse himself. But I still worry….

I hope you enjoy the series if you start reading it, Leslie. Thanks for stopping by.